Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Ed Nelson is retiring as Whataburger CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 03, 2024

COO Debbie Stroud will take over for the longtime executive at the end of the year when Nelson will end a 20-year career with the San Antonio, Texas-based fast-food chain.

Leadership

Why so many restaurant chains are changing CEOs right now

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 30, 2024

Nearly a quarter of public restaurant companies have hired new chief executives this year amid weak sales and stock price performance.

Leadership

KFC hires a marketing-development chief and more recent executive moves

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 30, 2024

Executive Summary: Catherine Tan-Gillespie takes the KFC post, Sweetgreen names a chief development officer and Golden Crust appoints new CEO and CFO.

Leadership

BJ's CEO Greg Levin steps down

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 28, 2024

He will be replaced temporarily by Brad Richmond, a BJ's board member and former CFO of Darden Restaurants.

Leadership

Chipotle execs granted big retention bonuses to stick around

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 28, 2024

The departure of CEO Brian Niccol is speeding up previously announced C-suite moves. The planned retirement of CFO Jack Hartung is now on hold indefinitely.

Leadership

Checkers names Chris Tebben CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 28, 2024

The former Starbucks and Mars Retail Group executive replaces Frances Allen, who announced in April she was stepping down.

Leadership

A lot of restaurant chains have changed CEOs this year

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 27, 2024

Several restaurant companies removed chief executives so far in 2024. Some of them more than once. Here’s a look at them.

Leadership

Red Lobster's new owner names former P.F. Chang's CEO to lead chain

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 26, 2024

Damola Adamolekun will take the reins of the struggling seafood giant after a sale to Fortress Investment Group is finalized. His tenure at Chang’s made him a rising star in the industry.

Leadership